On one of the most popular lunch-time destination blocks in the city, sits a gastronomically tempting venue boasting the motto “ours is 9 and 1/2 inches long.” No, this isn’t one of those elusive Turkish bathhouses or Chinese massage parlours, you’ve questioned the legitimacy of, but Mandler’s, a veritable sausage restaurant offering the real deal in wieners, heralding authentic Bavarian brats (the standard pork/beef variety and a lower fat chicken version as well) to spicy Spanish chorizo (a plethora of calories and worth every single one), all original recipes that are quite delicious and ever-more satisfying than that Hebrew National sliced into macaroni and cheese your mom used as a quick dinner fix when when you were a kid. With tempting side-dishes such as zucchini fries, corn fritters and potato-pancakes, plus dozens of dipping sauces (jalapeno being my personal favorite) and six varieties of mustards available, my recommendation is to go wearing elastic-waisted pants, because you’re going to experience a sensation much like post-Thanksgiving dinner, where you knew you shouldn’t eaten so much, but you couldn’t help it!

The restaurant was a dream seven years in the making according to Ronnie Mandler, the friendly owner, whose experience in the food industry was nil until the serendipitous consumer reaction to his dogs. A garmento by profession, Ronnie traveled to Europe and saw the sausage phenomenon first-hand on the streets in Germany and Spain and decided to bring the revolution to America, where his dream has turned into a lucrative reality. With plans to open two more locations in midtown for the hungry corporate lunch crowd, Mandler’s is soon to join the ranks of lunchtime maninstays Subway and Cosi.

“Sandwiched” between salad-extravaganza Chopped and Middle-Eastern sensation, Rainbow Falafel, and ordering Havana (a little taste of Cuba) and sushi delight Ennju, Mandler’s Original Sausage Company adds a little bit of spice to a neighborhood already brimming with international flair…

Mandler’s Original Sausage Company
26 East 17th Street
Off Union Square West